San Antonio Hosts 9th Annual Combat PTSD Conference to Address Trauma Issues Among Veterans

San Antonio Gears Up for the 9th Annual Combat PTSD Conference

This week, the vibrant city of San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as it hosts the much-anticipated 9th Annual Combat PTSD Conference. Designed specifically for those impacted by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the conference will be held at the beautiful Briscoe Western Art Museum on Tuesday and Wednesday. Every year, this conference gathers together experts, practitioners, and individuals dedicated to understanding and tackling the challenges faced by military personnel and veterans grappling with trauma.

Engaging Keynotes and Important Topics

Kicking off the event is the remarkable MJ Hegar, a trailblazing former U.S. Air Force member known for her heroic rescue missions in Afghanistan. Her presentation, titled “Profiles in Resilience,” promises to inspire and motivate the audience on the first day of the conference. Attendees can expect an engaging and heartfelt address that underscores the incredible strength and spirit of those who have served.

The excitement doesn’t stop there! Day two features a keynote address by renowned suicide expert Craig Bryan, PsyD, who serves as a professor of psychiatry and behavioral health at Ohio State University. His talk will focus on adopting a new paradigm in understanding and preventing suicide, particularly among veterans. With such knowledgeable speakers, the conference aims to cultivate a rich environment for discussion, learning, and connection.

Diverse and Relevant Topics on the Agenda

This year’s agenda is packed with a variety of compelling topics aimed at broadening the understanding of PTSD and its implications:

• Biomarkers of Sleep Disturbance– exploring how physical aspects can shed light on mental health.
• Military Sexual Trauma-related PTSD– addressing a crucial, yet often overlooked, area of conversation.
• Trauma and Suicide– examining the interconnection while seeking solutions.
• Culturally Responsive PTSD Treatment– tailored approaches for people of color, ensuring inclusivity in care.
• Artificial Intelligence in PTSD Treatment– diving into the future of technology’s role in mental health care.

These discussions highlight the importance of addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding military trauma, and how the science of PTSD treatment continues to evolve.

Opportunities for Dialogue and Connection

Dr. Alan Peterson, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UT Health San Antonio and director of the STRONG STAR Consortium, emphasizes the gathering’s significance, stating, “This conference is a tremendous opportunity to hear the latest progress in addressing the complex issues facing military men and women impacted by trauma.” He shares how important it is for attendees to connect and discuss both past advancements and future directions in PTSD treatment.

Expecting a turnout of around 400 attendees, the conference will bring together experts from the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, researchers, and policymakers from across the globe. It’s a rare blend of minds committed to learning and sharing knowledge in a collaborative setting.

Conclusion

As San Antonio welcomes participants from all walks of life to this inspiring event, there’s a palpable sense of community and shared mission in the air. The 9th Annual Combat PTSD Conference isn’t just about sharing scientific research; it’s about fostering a supportive network for those affected by PTSD. The conversations that will unfold here could very well shape the future of trauma care for countless service members and veterans.

With so much to learn and connect over, attendees are sure to leave the conference feeling enlightened and empowered. Here’s to another successful year in making strides in the fight against PTSD!